Investigators and Program Directors
Stephani Ostrowski
Research Scientist, Wadsworth Center
Director, Environmental Laboratory Approval Program
Ph.D., School of Public Health - State University of New York, Albany, N.Y. (2003)
Postdoctoral training, Ordway Research Institute, Albany, N.Y.
E-mail: seo01@health.state.ny.us
Research Interests
Dr. Stephanie Ostrowski is the Director of the New York State Department of Health’s Environmental Laboratory Approval Program (ELAP). ELAP oversees the development, implementation, and enforcement of laboratory standards for approximately 600 environmental laboratories testing samples originating from New York. Outside of the Wadsworth Center, our program collaborates with several other state and federal agencies including the Department’s Center for Environmental Health (CEH), the State’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Responsibilities include the certification of laboratories to ensure accurate and reliable environmental analyses that affect the public health, safety and welfare of all New York residents. ELAP currently grants certification to commercial, facility self-monitoring and government operated environmental laboratories, in categories covering Public potable (drinking) water, Non-potable water, Solid/hazardous Waste and ambient Air and Emissions. To become certified a laboratory must be directed by an individual who is qualified through education and experience, perform satisfactorily in at least semi-annual proficiency testing and a biennial on-site inspection. Certified laboratories are required to use state-approved analytical methods and adhere to a program of mandated quality assurance/quality control procedures.
Prior to her position in ELAP, Dr. Ostrowski served as the Coordinator of the NYS Laboratory Response Network (LRN) which sought to enhance the state's laboratory infrastructure and capability to respond to biological and chemical terrorism, in addition to other public health emergencies. To this end, she coordinated the training and outreach to laboratorians, clinicians, and law enforcement partners in topics such as biosafety, biosecurity, and response activities in addition to enhancing cross border laboratory partnerships with both Ontario and Quebec.
Related Information
Environmental Laboratory Approval Program – New York State Department of Health – Wadsworth Center
Contact Information
Phone: (518) 485-5570
Fax: (518) 485-5568
E-mail: seo01@health.state.ny.us